Media Relations Manager

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid working model

Port Elizabeth office

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth is seeking a seasoned Media Relations Manager to lead media outreach and protect the company’s public profile. You will build journalist relationships, craft compelling angles, and secure positive coverage across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in media relations, excellent writing, and strong knowledge of the South African media landscape; a hybrid work model is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in media relations or PR.
• Proven success in securing positive media coverage.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape.
• Experience in crisis communication is desirable.
• Proficiency with media monitoring tools.
• Based in Port Elizabeth or able to commute.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies to achieve objectives.
• Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with key media contacts across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
• Proactively identify and pitch compelling story ideas to relevant media outlets.
• Craft high-quality press releases, media kits, and other communications materials.
• Manage media inquiries and coordinate interviews for company spokespersons.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze results, and provide regular reports on media sentiment and impact.
• Prepare spokespersons for media interactions and provide media training when necessary.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment.
• Manage media crises effectively, developing and executing rapid response plans.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communication

Crisis communication

Story pitching

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Public Relations

Tools

Media monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the media and PR industry, is seeking a seasoned Media Relations Manager to oversee their media outreach efforts. This exciting opportunity is located in the beautiful coastal city of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . The Media Relations Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, developing compelling story angles, and securing positive media coverage for the organization. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a strategic approach to media engagement, and a deep understanding of the South African media landscape. You will be instrumental in enhancing the company's public profile and ensuring consistent, positive messaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective media relations strategies to achieve company objectives.
• Cultivate and nurture strong, long-term relationships with key media contacts across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
• Proactively identify and pitch compelling story ideas to relevant media outlets.
• Craft high-quality press releases, media kits, and other communication materials.
• Manage media inquiries and coordinate interviews for company spokespersons.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze results, and provide regular reports on media sentiment and impact.
• Prepare spokespersons for media interactions and provide media training when necessary.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment.
• Manage media crises effectively, developing and executing rapid response plans.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in media relations, journalism, or public relations.
• Demonstrable success in securing positive media coverage and managing media relationships.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape and current affairs.
• Proven ability to develop strategic media plans and execute them effectively.
• Experience in crisis communication is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with media monitoring and PR software.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package tailored to the candidate's experience and expertise, along with performance-based incentives.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement savings plan, and generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are a priority.
• This role offers a hybrid working model, providing flexibility while ensuring essential collaboration within the Port Elizabeth office.
• Join a dynamic team in the thriving media and PR sector.